Posts tagged atlanta headshot
Comfort For You and Baby

Lori walked into the studio, and a fresh breeze followed her.

She was here for a few headshots, as she began her new endeavor as a Sleep Consultant for Wee Sleep. And I can see why she’s just the person you would want with you, when you are bleary-eyed and exhausted to the point of tears. She is so kind, so warm, and so genuinely interested in you. Conversation with her flows so easily, and you don’t want it to end. She’s excited for your triumphs, and wants you to succeed. I mean, naturally. All the time. It’s who she is. And it’s what makes her perfect for this role.

She needed different versions of her images, to accommodate different scenarios for her company. I told her no problem…

While I’m past the stage of needing a sleep consultant, (you, too, will get through it!), it was clear from our interactions that she’s the one to recommend.

http://wee-sleep.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldsleep consultanta, headshots, headshot, head shot, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, branding, atlanta branding, commercial photographyComment
He's Into Transformations

When Adee entered the studio, it hit me how long it had been. The beauty of repeat clients is the history. Connecting at different points through our journeys. It was incredible to catch up.

What’s interesting is we didn’t talk about business. As curious as I am about how the Real Estate world is treating him, we talked about family. About strengthening bonds, about seeing our children for who they are and adapting to their needs. About prioritizing our time with them. It was lovely.

I do, however happen to know that he’s got a great track record with flipping homes, so if you are an investor, he may be your match: adeeweismark@kw.com

ClientsRachel Linkwaldrealtor, real estate, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta real estate, head shot, headshots, headshot, studio, studio photography, home studio, atlanta studio photography, photography, photographerComment
Lizzy: Interior Designer

This was a fun twist, for us both, I think.
On a mom board, Lizzy posted: “I’m an interior designer looking for headshots for a rebrand/podcast launch that I’m doing! Any photographers that would want to trade a photo shoot for a room makeover??”

There were already a ton of responses from talented photographers. I shrugged my shoulders, figured that could be fun, and threw my hat into the ring, expecting nothing.

Next thing I knew, we were meeting for coffee and making plans! I was floored that she said she found my work memorable and wanted to move forward.

Meet Lizzy!

Lizzy earned her Residential Interior Design Certification from Kennesaw State University and is a member of the DSA.

But also? Lizzy is married to a police officer, with whom she has four kids and a bunch of chickens. And is active in their faith and church. And teaches preschool AND yoga. And loves antiquing.

Check out her website, Facebook, and Instagram!

Next blog: check out what she had in mind for my entryway!

ClientsRachel Linkwaldbranding, atlanta branding, interior design, interior designer, headshots, head shot, headshot, atlanta headshotComment
A Hug for Floridians

Deanna and her family were looking for a different communal vibe, and four distinct annual seasons.

After relocating her family from Boca Raton, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, Deanna is launching her counseling private practice. While the move was overall very positive, the one loss was leaving a job she adored. Licensed in Florida, she is taking on clients virtually.

Thank you to Rina Pollack for the beautiful makeup!

When you sit with Deanna, its clear she’s patient, thoughtful, curious, and ready to listen and guide.

Visit her website!

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, headshot, atlanta branding, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, counselor, florida counselor, mental health
The Cellist

One day, a cello walks into a studio…

The punchline is that beautiful music was made.

Roee (sometimes Roy) was long overdue to update his headshot. We thought it best to do something expected, classic:

…but Roee also wanted something fun…

We were joined in the studio by his fantastic wife, Kelli, who honored me with some BTS images.

Not only is Roee available for weddings, but he gives lessons as well. Reach out to him at https://royharran.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldcello, cellist, atlanta cellist, atlanta, Atlanta head shot, atlanta headshot, atlanta photographer, head shot, headshots, branding
The World Awaits

Mamie bounces into the studio full of life, despite being dampened by the rain. Talking to her is refreshing, and I’m instantly 22 again myself. Having just graduated (though unlike her, I didn’t crush through both an undergrad and a masters in Economics in 4 years…), and starting with a new company, a world of opportunity is on the horizon. The company isn’t totally new to her, she was onboarded by Palisades Hudson Financial Group, with whom she interned. She loves the stability, balance, and people at Palisades Hudson, and looks forward to also using her talents in side projects down the road, to help those in need.

What really warmed me was the email from her after I sent her image: “Just wanted to say thank you again for an easy and enjoyable shoot on Monday (and the bag of rice, lol⋆). I like the picture more than I would've ever expected. I really appreciate your work on this and will keep you in mind if I ever have any photography needs in ATL in the future!”

⋆(her phone was wet)
Gotta say, the feeling is mutual.

I’m grateful to Paul Jacobs, Managing Vice President at Palisades Hudson Financial Group. After working with his family and wife a handful of times, he thought of me when they needed an image for Mamie. Continued clients are absolutely the best clients.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta headshot, bra, atlanta branding, commercial photography, company photography
Transitioning to Help CEOs Transition

After years in the executive recruitment space, Lee is transitioning to a new angle. With this expertise in his back pocket, he’s now discreetly preparing top CEO’s who are looking to transition to their own new opportunity.

Let me introduce you to MaxBridge, which assists you in developing and executing a search strategy specifically tailored to your career needs and aspirations. They offer a concierge, results-based approach for the Executive on an adventure.

Lee is confident, focused, and charming. You will enjoy the process, and never doubt you are in the care of talent. Check out his website here.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, head shot, headshots, studio photography, photography, Atlanta head shot, ceo, recruiterComment
Daniela Sparks Teens

With 3 kids 2 and under, New York was feeling too small for Daniela and her family. They wanted to move to a vibrant city with space to breathe and a friendly community with playdates for her growing family. Having supportive family already in Atlanta made it more enticing. With her degree in Social Work, she bid adieu to her role as a counselor in a performing arts school, and opened up Spark Teens Coaching.

“Here at Spark Teens, our mission is simple: to provide tailored guidance and support to teens and their families. Drawing from a foundation of listening, collaboration, and a genuine passion for addressing the unique challenges teens encounter, we are dedicated to sparking positive change by helping teens reach their highest potential with confidence and resilience.”

Daniela works with teens and their families to focus on an issue, create a plan, and IMPLEMENT it.
Here’s what I can promise about Daniela: she’s incredibly easy to talk to. She’s open, friendly, and vibrant. I know she came in for a branding session, but I felt like we were “out for coffee.” I can imagine being a teen and finding her comforting, safe, and relatable.

Spark Teens Website
Spark Teens Instagram

ClientsRachel Linkwaldcounselor, atlanta therapist, therapist, social worker, atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta branding, photography, photographer, Atlanta head shot, head shot, atlanta headshot, headshot, headshots
Both Sides

I’ve been doing the photography for Stein Law since 2017, but this was a totally different ballgame!

They’re doing a total brand overhaul. With the addition of a new teammate, they also are working with a marketing company that sent over a Photography Art Direction packet.

In it, it outlined the specific blue they needed in some of their images, along with a totally fun concept: each person should have a formal headshot- but when you hover over the headshot, it switches to a casual portrait that showcases their personality. I LOVE IT!!

Is it obvious we had a lot of fun on set?

We ran with the idea, creating a couple sets of group shots that showed both.

Stein Law has been assisting their clients in Corporate Services, Tax Planning and Controversy, and Estate Planning for two decades. Not only do they have the smarts, but the personality, too!


https://steinlawllc.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldstein law, law, lawyer, atlanta lawyer, headshots, atlanta headshot, head shot, headshot, branding, atlanta branding
Fujiyama Wealth Management

Are You Facing Financial Transition?

Whatever transition you’re facing (divorce, inheritance, retirement…), wait to make your next move until you learn how to successfully navigate your journey with the help of Fujiyama Wealth Management. They’ll ease you through things like planning retirement, getting an inheritance, selling your business, and loss of spouse.

I first met Junko Horvath at a talent night at our Synagogue. She had no idea what I did, until I was a suggested connection on LinkedIn.

Her daughter was in town briefly, and she wanted to snag the opportunity to update their marketing images, as she’s a member of the team from afar.

Chris met me eagerly at the door, and we discussed potential backdrops. While their stunning office is a part of the “King/Queen” complex, I wanted to showcase them, rather than their jaw-dropping building.

Chris is just as impressive as the company, he told me he was off to run the Chicago Marathon, raising money for charity.

Junko is also author of the book, “Women in Financial Transition.”

Reach out to Fujiyama Wealth Management at their website: https://www.fujiyamawealth.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, atlanta, atlanta branding, Atlanta, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta wealth managementComment
Real Estate Expertise That Feels Like a Party

Ann Scoggins and Lea Long have been there and done that in the Real Estate world. As seasoned professionals, they decided to join forces and create a brand new realty team, Anlea.

They aren’t going it alone. They assembled a powerhouse team of women, with Julie Groke, Martine NG, Michele Collier, and Cher Wichman at their sides.

But it’s not just their know-how that makes you want to work with them. Let me tell you this, working with these women all day was an absolute riot.

We couldn’t stop cracking up. The whole crew was working so hard: our goal was big, and the session was long. But the attitudes were phenomenal.

With Anlea, you are looking at experience, power, and ladies you want to hang out with all day long.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta real estate, realtor, real estate team, real estate, roswell real estate, womenComment
All The Law (Todo Del Ley)

Rabbi Chaim Lindenblatt is a Rabbi. And an attorney. Which makes sense, as both delve into the application of the law.

After the passing of a friend and colleague, Rabbi Lindenblatt is stepping in, and taking over his practice. He’s a defense attorney, working specifically with the Latin community. He needed an image for their flyer that featured both him and his talented translator, Janet. He wanted something that looked warm, welcoming, and professional.

If you or anyone you know needs their assistance, reach out to rabbichaimlaw@gmail.com

ClientsRachel Linkwaldlaw, lawyer, #atlanta #photographer #photography #atlantaphotographer #atlantaphotography #shaynaimage #canon #sigma #85mm #jewishphotographer #headshots #tocohills #atlantaheadshots #branding #headshot #atlantaheadshot #jewish #lawyer #lawstudent #atlantastudiophotography #editing #portraits #studio #portraitphotography #INSTAGRAM, atlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta lawyer, spanishComment
Beautiful Change

Randy was in a nervous rush, trying to get a headshot in by Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta’s deadline. She had been accepted into the new cohort of “Agents of Change,” and didn’t know a portrait was part of the process. She Googled “Headshots Atlanta,” and found my website.

But there are no accidents. She was dreading the process, but said as she poked around my site, she began to feel reassured. This would not be painful! She was meant to come to my studio, where I would hold her hand through the process.

There is so much to admire about Randy. She, like so many of us, has been dealt some real challenges. But she sees and moves through them. She remains focused, centered, and loving. She sees opportunity and beauty. And in our session, I hope she saw her own beauty.

Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta found a true Agent of Change. Randy has so much to offer the world. Seeing it through her eyes, for even a moment, was changing for me.

Behind the scenes

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, Agent of Change, Jewish, jewish women, photography, headshots, atlanta, atlanta branding, atlanta headshotComment
Dr. Tate: Faces of Orthodoxy

I was thrilled to be hired as the photographer for Faces of Orthodoxy Season 6 Atlanta (backed by the Orthodox Union). They profiled 6 movers and shakers, to tell their dynamic stories, and show the world that Orthodox people are relatable, rather than exotic or strange as seen in the media.

Week five: Dr. Joseph Tate

“I’m named after my father, Yosef Leib, who was killed on D-Day while my mother was pregnant with me. He was from Eastern Europe & my mother was from India. They met in England during the war. My father’s dream was for me to be brought up in America, so my mother moved to Boston. I went to public school & Hebrew school through 7th grade. I probably had ADHD, but when my mother took me for an evaluation, the psychiatrist said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with him, he’s just bored.’ I went back to England to attend an upper-class Jewish boarding school. After returning to America, I got a chemical engineering degree at @northeastern & then went to work as a computer engineer. I helped invent & patent a part used in every car battery & got my MBA. But I didn’t feel fulfilled. I investigated many alternatives, & finally, much to my surprise, I chose to become a physician.

Once I got married, my wife and I decided to take on more Jewish practices. I made kiddush on Shabbos & we had a kosher home, but we didn’t keep Shabbos fully. Against what seemed like all odds, I got into medical school when I was 30 at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. I learned Dutch in a panic because that’s what my professors spoke. But there was nothing in Leuven for a Jewish family, so we moved to Antwerp. Two years later I transferred to the University of Antwerp.

We became best friends with our next-door neighbors who were religious, many of whom were Ger & Belz chassidim. They guided us along as we became more observant. As it turns out, we weren’t in Antwerp, of all places, for medical school; we were there to find our Judaism! And when Hashem knew we were on the road, He rewarded us. I transferred to @yale where I received my MD. Yale, of course, opened doors for residency. I matched at @emorydeptofmed & joined the Atlanta Beth Jacob community in 1980.

I’ve been in the Emory system for over 23 years & get to teach residents. Teaching is the best way to improve myself clinically. But I never thought I’d deliver babies in the Orthodox community. Today, there are 2nd generation kids I’ve delivered in the shul. I’ve delivered over 800 babies in the community.”

“@bethjacobatl was the first time I ever really belonged to a synagogue. We always understood the importance of giving back to the community. We were one of the builders of @tdsaofficial & I’ve been the president of the Eruv for over 30 years. The eruv is an urban boundary that allows carrying on Shabbos. Georgia Power helped us maintain it over the years. When we needed to switch over to a new method, I went out every Sunday rewiring 15 utility poles a day. I also counsel brides from all over the world leading up to their weddings. I get tremendous fulfillment being in service to my community & Creator.

I delivered my first “community baby” when I was still a resident. At one point, I had delivered 80% of the kids at Beth Jacob. On Simchas Torah, I’d pledge a donation for every kid I delivered who showed up to shul. Once it got to over 180 kids, I got sponsored by the community to raise even more for charity, and all the children come under a giant tallis prayer shawl with me while I give the blessing.

My wife & I have 6 children who were born all over – Boston, Antwerp, New Haven & Atlanta. We have 17 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren. Having a large family is the greatest blessing for an only child.

I maintain an inherent belief that women are created with the ability to have babies. This is how they are designed by G-d. Of course, we utilize modern science, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. I don’t think the current 35-50% C-section rate is right. I don’t believe in doing major surgery on a patient if we don’t have to. A large portion of my patients had previous C-sections. Most of them prove me correct and can give birth again without a cesarean. Before long, my name got out there as a proponent of VBAC. I was even featured on a @pbs Religion & Ethics Newsweekly series about how my Orthodox life impacts my delivery of babies. I truly believe that women can have babies if we allow them the chance.”

BTS photots and video by Yelena Hertzberg, best person ever to have on set with you.

Clients, Faces Of OrthodoxyRachel Linkwaldobgyn, atlanta obgyn, jewish obgyn, Jewish, jewish photographer, faces of orthodoxy, atlanta, atlanta headshot, atlanta branding, brandingComment
The Journey

Aliza DID NOT WANT to have her photo taken.
Many months ago, she made note that she needed to update her very, very old headshot - both for her health insurance business, and for her teaching. But she dreaded it, and put it off.

And put it off.

And put it off.

Guess what… I hear this from a majority of my headshot clients. They are there because they HAVE to be, not because they WANT to be. They’re uncomfortable in front of the camera, and they just want to get it over with.

And I get it. Like Aliza, it’s out of the norm for most people, and we already have very full plates. Aliza works multiple jobs in multiple industries and has 4 kids ranging high school to preschool. But as she left, she sighed, with relief, “This was actually easy and fun!”

During a session, I coach, we giggle, and then we look at your images. And you say, “Wait! That’s it! I love it!” or, “Can we try it again? I liked that angle, but want to switch my hair.” We shoot until we nail it.

And now Aliza has something for her Health Insurance business cards. And to send to the school she teaches at virtually in Seattle for their website. And to show her children her huge, warm smile.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, Jewish, teacher, mother, headshots, headshot, Atlanta head shotComment
Making Babies

From Jewish Matchmaking (see previous post) to Jewish Babies, we’re moving right along the life cycle…

“My story isn’t unique. But I was lucky. I got pregnant via IVF twice in two years and I thank the universe every day. But for others it takes years, losses, and lots of tears and heartache before babies are made, if at all. And with the costs of IVF ranging from $15,000 – $25,000 in the United States, many don’t even have a chance for a chance. So I’ve turned my useless guilt into helpful actions by starting the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF). We provide financial assistance, educational awareness, and emotional support to Jewish families who have medical fertility challenges in the communities we serve. As a woman struggling with infertility, I know what it’s like to cry alone. But YOU are no longer alone. JFF is here for you.”

-Elana Frank, CEO & Founder of Jewish Fertility Foundation

Jewish Fertility Foundation helps hopeful parents by providing financial assistance, emotional support, and infertility education to those struggling to build their families.

I’ve been fortunate to know Elana a long time (since the 90’s!) and her journey is simply amazing. Even more stunning is watching her help so many others along their journeys, and to watch her reach stretch to other cities, and JFF continues to expand.

Elana, Jewish Fertility Foundation, and all the families they are assisting should continue to have much success and their every wish fulfilled.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldfertility, Jewish, jewish fertility, jewish fertility foundation, branding, atlanta branding, atlanta headshot, atlanta photographerComment
Jewish Matchmaking

When I was in Israel in 2019, the incomparable Aleeza Ben Shalom, matchmaker extraordinaire, and I were on a women’s program together. We became friends, and she asked if we could squeeze in a headshot and branding session for her while we were there. We snuck off through the streets of Jerusalem, looking for cute spots and soft light, since I was traveling with limited gear. She just told me that she loved the images so much, she’s still using them on many websites today. Of course, I didn’t start blogging until 3 months after our session, but she has news that MUST BE SHARED.

Starting May 3rd, you can tune in and watch her work her magic on her new Netflix Series, “Jewish Matchmaking!”

Will you be watching??

Because I’ll be glued. Aleeza really is a Bracha (blessing.) She loves to give brachas. It’s literally her middle name. And I hope that this series will be a true bracha, not just for her, but for representation of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Update: Aleeza’s show is an undeniable hit, and she represents our people beautifully. She’s crushing her publicity tour, and the “Israel Sistas”: Yelena, Raizel, Aleeza, and I, got to hang out at my house and studio after her show in Atlanta. Always good to get in the hugs!

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, Jewish, jewish matchmaker, jewish matchmaking, netflix, atlanta brandingComment
World Saver

I like to have a sense of who a client is, and the type of work they do, when they come in for a headshot. Emily told me she was working with the top executives of many massive companies, and she needed to look sharp. But I couldn’t quite make heads or tales of what she did, until she was in my studio, filling me in, and blowing my mind.

Emily is changing the world.

She is working to create a space that enables face time between the major components of the heath industry. What if the city’s top leaders in government, philanthropy and healthcare were all in a room together on a consistent basis, communicating and collaborating freely, rather that maneuvering thoughts through a long and beurocratic pipeline? What if the brilliant minds developing the next wave of medications had a cubicle next to someone at the CDC, someone in the field of Health Equity, The American Cancer Society, and Johnson & Johnson?

Emily is the force making it happen. She is working to create a space to aid in communication between all the sectors in the healthcare field. Helping to make emergency response swifter, and tackling the problems before they exist.

We are rooting for you, Emily!

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, head shot, health care, studio, studio photography, atlanta studio photography, cdc, health equity, american cancer society, johnson & johnson, vaccinesComment
The Border Control Comic

It suddenly struck Steven that his headshot was 15…maybe 20? years old, when he was asked to speak at a prestigious conference in Boston. We hustled to get him into the studio.

His daughter, Leah, arranged the whole thing. She is the Special Projects and Events consultant at Congregation Beth Jacob, and through my wedding work at the venue, she knew I was a photographer. She warned me that her father is hilarious.

As he entered, I asked about what he does, and what our goal was. He told me he works with US Customs and Border Patrol. “Constantly controversial…” I mused. He showed me an example from a colleague.

The conversation spun from there. He was far more interested in discussing his family than his work, which has been in this neighborhood since 1903! I learned about his dramatically different twins, and we discovered the best way to get his twinkle in his eye, was for him to tell me jokes.

But the biggest smile of all was mine, when he texted after receiving his image. Not just the self deprecating jokes, but the top prize: a compliment from his wife.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldcustoms, border control, head shot, atlanta, atlanta headshot, headshots, headshotComment
Get The Job Done

Eric is a busy guy. I’ll just give over the titles listed in his LinkedIn: CEO at Bigger Cup Consulting: Business Coaching for C-Level Executives & Founders | Reach for A Bigger Cup & Achieve your Goals | CEO at First Avenue Mfg – Made in USA Bedding | Co-CEO at iAssay, Medical Device Startup

Which says nothing about his active involvement with his family and community. We were definitely looking to have an efficient system and turn-around. Good thing that’s standard by me!

The interesting tool he brought to expedite the process? His fantastic wife! It was great to have her eyes as we made adjustments and his final selection.

I was thrilled when Eric wrote me: “This version is perfect, super happy with how this turned out, the speed, and the ease of the whole process. Thank you! Feel free to use me as a reference.”

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, home studio, head shot, headshots, headshot, ceo